The following bootcamp is being offered for classroom teachers in Jewish schools at a subsidized rate.
Other organizations, please email us at pd_inquiries@lookstein.org.

Presented by: Hyim Brandes and Naomi Schrager

 

Memory is a critical part of our tradition, and also a powerful educational force as it provides an emotional, personal connection to the past. The academic study of history, on the other hand, is the reconstruction of the past based on factual evidence and primary sources. This bootcamp explores the relationship between memory and history, best practices in Jewish history instruction, and student-centered approaches. Hands-on workshops make up the bulk of the training program and give teachers the skills and tools they need in order to teach Jewish history in an engaging and creative way.

Program participants will explore and workshop:

    • Historical themes and significant trends in Jewish history
    • Using primary and secondary sources
    • Teaching with artifacts/arts
    • Teaching historical thinking
    • Using maps, timelines, and other tools effectively
    • Teaching from multiple perspectives and through different lenses

This bootcamp is geared towards 7th-12th grade teachers in Jewish day schools. Graduates of the bootcamp will have the opportunity to participate in professional development on the topic of Jewish History. Write to us at info@lookstein.org with any questions or concerns.

Summer 2026 Bootcamp Schedule

Sunday, June 14th
Monday, June 15th
Wednesday, June 17th
Monday, June 22nd
Wednesday, June 24th
Monday, June 29th
Wednesday, July 1st

All Sessions will take place from 12:30 – 2:00 PM EST

Bootcamp Tuition:

Members: $382.50
Non-members: $425
To learn more about Lookstein Center membership visit www.lookstein.org/become-a-member/.

Previous participating schools include: Atlanta Jewish Academy, Berman Hebrew Academy, Bialik Hebrew Day School, deToledo, Hillel Yeshiva, Kohelet, Ma’ayanot, Maimonides School, Milken Community School, Naaleh High School, North Shore Hebrew Academy, and more.

 

“A must for any serious history teacher!”

~Jewish History Bootcamp Participant

“I loved every minute of it… [It was} groundbreaking for me. The concept of Memory gives me new language to discuss things with my students. Thank you for making me a more thoughtful history teacher!”

~Jewish History Bootcamp Participant

“I [am] a much stronger Jewish history teacher because of the bootcamp.”

~Jewish History Bootcamp Participant

“A well presented and engaging course that empowered me.”

~Jewish History Bootcamp Participant

Register Here:

Register Now!

Bootcamp Facilitators:

This bootcamp is facilitated by members of The Lookstein Center staff.

Hyim Brandes

Hyim Brandes

Director of Technology

Hyim Brandes has worked at the intersection of Jewish education and technology for more than two decades spearheading projects and initiatives focusing on student personalization and 21st century learning. Hyim studied Jewish History at U.C. Berkeley, spent three years studying at Pardes, and was a Joshua Venture Group Fellow. At The Lookstein Center, Hyim serves as the Director of Technology, where in addition to being responsible for all things ed tech, he creates and facilitates trainings and professional development programs in history, combatting antisemitism, and 21st century learning. 
Naomi Schrager

Naomi Schrager

Senior Educator

Naomi Schrager is a veteran Jewish educator with more than two decades of experience in classroom instruction, informal education programming, and administration. A long-time history lover, she has developed Jewish history curricula, designed and facilitated Professional Development in Jewish history instruction, and supervised its teaching in multiple classrooms, in multiple Jewish day schools. Since making aliyah, Naomi enjoys wandering the land where our national past and present intersect and watching her kids climb and play on antiquities.